The suspension of aid by USAID under President Donald Trump has unexpectedly benefited Nigerians by leading to a significant reduction in food prices. While the government may claim credit, the truth is that both the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the current administration of President Bola Tinubu had been implementing various agricultural policies, including grants, loans, subsidized machinery, fertilizers, and chemicals, yet food prices remained high.
So, what really changed?
It is now becoming clear that foreign aid organizations like USAID were not just buying food for humanitarian purposes. Instead, they were deliberately hoarding large amounts of farm produce, allowing them to spoil, and creating artificial scarcity to drive up prices and worsen hunger. They claimed to be purchasing food to distribute to the needy, but in reality, they were using their financial power to control the market and starve the population.
The alarm was first raised when U.S. Congressman Chris Smith accused USAID of indirectly funding terrorist groups in Nigeria, particularly Boko Haram. This claim echoes concerns previously voiced by President Trump, who has long criticized how U.S. foreign aid is misused.
The Nigerian government and individuals benefiting from USAID through employment, contracts, or partnerships, have defended the agency. However, the real beneficiaries of USAID’s operations were not ordinary Nigerians but a select few who profited from the artificial food crisis and insecurity.
With USAID’s market control disrupted, prices are finally adjusting naturally. Just ask traders in the agrarian communities of northern Nigeria, particularly in the bean markets of Maiduguri. Within just two months, the price of beans has dropped drastically from ₦65,000–₦70,000 per bag to around ₦23,000–₦27,000. These figures are verifiable.
The only logical conclusion? Without USAID hoarding food supplies and causing artificial scarcity, the market is stabilizing on its own.
For too long, Nigeria has suffered under the guise of “foreign aid” that only benefits those pulling the strings. If this trend continues, the country may finally break free from economic exploitation and develop a truly independent agricultural sector.
Let the U.S. keep its aid money and invest it in its own economy. Nigeria is better off without it.
Ramadan Mubarak, I remain Ola Ajao-Akala from Ile Akala Osogbo
03/04/25
